Harmanpreet Kaur Fined For Code Of Conduct Breach Following Verbal Clash With Umpires And Sophie Ecclestone In WPL 2025

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 witnessed a dramatic moment as Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Harmanpreet Kaur found herself in hot water for breaching the WPL Code of Conduct. The fiery Indian skipper was fined 10% of her match fees for displaying dissent toward an umpire’s decision during MI’s high-voltage encounter against UP Warriorz (UPW) at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow.

The controversy unfolded when Mumbai Indians were penalized for a slow over rate, which led to on-field tensions between Harmanpreet, the match officials, and even UPW’s English all-rounder Sophie Ecclestone. Despite the heated exchange, MI delivered a commanding performance, securing a crucial victory that strengthened their position in the tournament.

Let’s break down the controversial incident, the WPL’s disciplinary action, and MI’s emphatic win that followed.

The Controversial Incident: What Led to Harmanpreet Kaur’s Outburst?

The flashpoint of the match occurred in the final phase of UP Warriorz’s innings, particularly at the end of the 19th over. The on-field umpires penalized Mumbai Indians for maintaining a slow over rate, which meant MI could only have three fielders outside the 30-yard circle in the last over—a significant disadvantage.

Harmanpreet vs. Umpires

Harmanpreet, known for her aggressive and passionate approach, was visibly frustrated when umpire Ajitesh Argal informed her about the restriction. The MI skipper confronted the official in an animated exchange, seeking clarity on the decision.

Amelia Kerr Joins the Debate

Harmanpreet was not alone in expressing her displeasure. New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr, who had been instrumental with the ball earlier, also engaged in the discussion, backing her captain’s stance.

Sophie Ecclestone’s Unexpected Intervention

As tensions escalated, Sophie Ecclestone, who was batting at the non-striker’s end, walked up to the umpire to voice her own opinion. Her intervention did not sit well with Harmanpreet, who engaged in a verbal exchange with the English all-rounder.

With emotions running high, the situation momentarily spiraled into a heated confrontation. The umpires had to step in to defuse the tension and restore order before the final over resumed.

Harmanpreet Kaur’s Disciplinary Action: WPL Steps In

Following the match, the Women’s Premier League disciplinary committee took swift action against Harmanpreet Kaur.

In an official statement, the WPL confirmed the 10% fine on Harmanpreet’s match fees, citing a Level 1 Code of Conduct breach under Article 2.8, which pertains to “showing dissent at an umpire’s decision.”

WPL’s official statement:
“Harmanpreet Kaur, Captain, Mumbai Indians, has been reprimanded and fined 10 per cent of her match fees for breaching the WPL Code of Conduct during their team’s match against UP Warriorz at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow, on Thursday.”

Harmanpreet accepted the penalty without contesting, acknowledging the match referee’s final decision.

“Harmanpreet Kaur admitted to the Level 1 offence under Article 2.8, which relates to showing dissent at an umpire’s decision during a match. For Level 1 breaches of the Code of Conduct, the Match Referee’s decision is final and binding.”

While the fine did not impact her on-field participation, it marked yet another instance of her fiery temperament clashing with official decisions—something that has happened in the past as well.

Mumbai Indians Deliver a Statement Victory

Despite the controversy, Mumbai Indians remained unfazed and delivered a clinical performance, dismantling UP Warriorz with ease.

Amelia Kerr’s Five-Wicket Masterclass

New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr stole the show with a sensational five-wicket haul (5/23), completely dismantling UP Warriorz’s batting lineup. She displayed exceptional variations, consistently troubling the batters and turning the game in MI’s favor.

Georgia Voll Stands Tall for UPW

While most of UPW’s batters struggled, Australian all-rounder Georgia Voll played a fighting knock, scoring 55 off 42 balls. Her innings provided some much-needed stability, helping UPW reach a respectable total of 150/9 in 20 overs.

Hayley Matthews’ Fireworks Lead MI to Victory

Chasing 151 for victory, Mumbai Indians’ top order fired in unison, with West Indies superstar Hayley Matthews playing a match-winning knock.

Hayley Matthews’ Explosive Knock

Matthews was at her destructive best, smashing 68 off 46 deliveries, including four sixes and seven boundaries. She took the attack to UPW’s bowlers from the outset, ensuring MI remained in control throughout the chase.

A Comfortable Chase

With solid contributions from the middle order, MI crossed the finish line in just 18.3 overs, securing a comprehensive victory by seven wickets.

MI’s Playoff Race: What Lies Ahead?

With this victory, Mumbai Indians moved to second place on the WPL 2025 points table, accumulating eight points.

Current Standings:

Delhi Capitals (10 points) – Already Qualified
Mumbai Indians (8 points) – Yet to confirm playoff berth
UP Warriorz (6 points) – In contention for playoffs
Royal Challengers Bangalore (4 points) – Must win next match

While MI has not officially secured a playoff berth yet, their strong net run rate puts them in a commanding position. A win in their next fixture will guarantee a top-two finish, giving them a direct entry into Qualifier 1.

Harmanpreet’s Fiery Streak: A Pattern of Confrontations?

Harmanpreet Kaur has always been a passionate leader, but this isn’t the first time she has found herself in the midst of controversy.

July 2023: Harmanpreet was suspended for two matches after smashing the stumps and criticizing umpires in an ODI against Bangladesh.
WBBL 2021: She was fined for showing dissent at an umpire’s decision while playing for Melbourne Renegades.
WPL 2023: Had a verbal exchange with match officials over a wide-ball call.

Her aggression and expressive nature make her a charismatic captain, but repeated run-ins with umpires could raise concerns in the future.

Please check for information on the best betting sites in India – https://selectory.org/best-betting-sites/